Review: THE BEST OF THE WEST END, Alpha Club - Royal Albert Hall
Photo credit: The Best of the West End
“It’s as if we never said goodbye” sings the sensational Mazz Murray during Act 2 of this amazing evening celebrating musical theatre in London’s West End. And indeed, sitting in the Royal Albert Hall feels as if you are surrounded by friends, the passion and excitement from the audience is contagious and the delight at being back in such an iconic space after an 18 month break is palpable.
The show is as spectacular as you would expect for such a prestigious stage, and The London Musical Theatre Orchestra richly deserve the standing ovation they receive at the end of the night. The line-up of songs is incredible, and includes classics from Funny Girl, My Fair Lady and 42nd Street, as well as plenty of numbers from the newer kids on the block such as Dear Evan Hansen, Everybody’s Talking about Jamie, and the yet to be debuted Moulin Rouge. The running order has clearly been well thought out and the show is held together admirably by a very charming Ruthie Henshall.
This performance is part of The Royal Albert Hall’s 150th Birthday Celebrations, and the buzz created by the show certainly feels like a party! The flawless choreography by Stephen Mear CBE is performed by a very strong ensemble of dancers and their endless energy and great talent is a joy to watch.
The MX choir and the Mountview Graduate choir add brilliant backing vocals to the amazing array of principal performers. Although there isn’t a bad number in the show, some of the stand-out performances come from Kerry Ellis in a Wicked medley, Mazz Murray as Norma Desmond and John Owen-Jones and Ben Forster duetting on ‘Music of the Night’. Mica Paris gets the audience energised and engaged the second she steps onto the stage with numbers from Starlight Express and Sister Act- it is impossible not to be swept away be her amazing stage presence and the same is also true of Layton Williams, whose wonderful vocals are set alongside some jaw-dropping wardrobe choices!
The Chicago medley which closes Act 1 takes us into the interval on a real high, and the full cast finale of ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ has the entire audience on their feet clapping and dancing along. Feel good nights at the theatre don’t come any better than this.
This concert is in aid of Acting for Others and was sadly playing for one night only, However, it will be broadcast on BBC Radio 2’s “Friday Night is Music Night” at a later date.
***** Five Stars
Reviewed by Sarah Brown